Operational Purpose and Role

MEHS is designed as a multi-layered self-protection electronic warfare suite for naval surface platforms. Modern naval combat environments involve high-speed sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, frequency-agile AESA radars, laser designators, and network-centric targeting systems. Surviving in such an environment requires not only jamming capability but also advanced signal intelligence, adaptive response logic, and coordinated countermeasure deployment.

MEHS addresses this requirement by combining passive detection, active electronic attack, physical decoy deployment, and infrared tracking into a single integrated architecture.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

MEHS follows a structured engagement cycle:

• Passive detection via ES and IRST
• Signal analysis and threat identification
• Threat library correlation and prioritization
• Assignment of active or passive countermeasures
• Decoy deployment and maneuver advisory
• Engagement assessment and adaptive response

The system operates in automatic, semi-automatic, or operator-controlled modes. Integration with the ship’s Combat Management System (CMS) ensures coordinated responses with hard-kill systems.

System Architecture

Naval Electronic Support (ES) System

Based on the ARES-2N family architecture, the ES subsystem provides:

• Wideband and narrowband digital receivers
• Signal parameter extraction (frequency, PRI, pulse width, modulation)
• Emitter identification via threat libraries
• Passive early warning without increasing platform electromagnetic signature

Naval Electronic Attack (EA) System

The EA subsystem employs Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology. DRFM enables:

• Coherent capture of incoming radar signals
• Phase, delay, and amplitude manipulation
• Deception jamming techniques (range gate pull-off, velocity gate pull-off)
• Noise jamming for radar denial

Active phased-array antennas and solid-state power amplifiers provide directional, rapid beam steering capability.

Decoy Launching System

The decoy subsystem includes:

• Chaff deployment
• Infrared flares
• Directional or fixed launchers
• Automated threat-based deployment planning

It may also integrate active RF decoys depending on platform configuration.

Laser Warning Receiver (LWR)

The LWR subsystem detects:

• Laser rangefinder emissions
• Laser designators
• Laser beam-riding guidance threats

Upon detection, the system generates directional alerts and triggers countermeasure logic.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST)

The IRST provides:

• Passive infrared detection
• Low-RCS and radar-silent target tracking
• Missile approach warning contribution

Survivability Concept

MEHS applies a three-layer survivability model:

• Early passive detection (ES + IRST)
• Electronic deception and jamming (EA with DRFM)
• Physical countermeasure deployment (decoys)

This layered defense increases survivability against advanced anti-ship missiles with ECCM capabilities.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• Adaptive response to frequency-agile AESA radars
• Multi-threat environment resource management
• Integration with network-enabled warfare architectures
• Modular scalability for different ship classes
• Software-defined architecture enabling upgrades

Precise detection ranges, simultaneous engagement capacity, and output power levels are not publicly disclosed.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

System configuration varies by platform class. Exact weight and volume data are not publicly available.

Power Supply

Powered by the ship’s electrical infrastructure. Specific consumption figures are not publicly disclosed.

Performance Characteristics

• Reaction time: Reported to operate in millisecond-level automatic response cycles (exact figures not publicly available).
• Frequency coverage: Wideband coverage; exact spectrum ranges are classified.

Sensors and Detection Capability

• Wideband digital receivers
• Narrowband high-sensitivity receivers
• Active phased-array antenna architecture
• DRFM-based signal processing

Command and Control

• Centralized EW Suite Management Unit
• Full Combat Management System integration
• Reprogrammable mission software

Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) Resilience

• Adaptive jamming techniques
• Signal processing resistant to anti-jam logic
• Detailed ECCM performance parameters not publicly disclosed

Deployment and Integration

• Compatible with frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, and other surface platforms
• Configurable mast integration
• Modular subsystem deployment

Personnel and Operational Concept

Operates under combat information center (CIC) control. Designed for automated operation with operator override capability. Exact crew requirements are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MEHS used for?

• MEHS protects naval surface vessels from radar-guided missiles, laser designation threats, and electronic surveillance systems through detection, deception, and countermeasure deployment.

Is MEHS an active or passive system?

• It is both. ES and IRST operate passively, while EA performs active jamming. Decoys provide physical countermeasures.

What makes DRFM important?

• DRFM enables coherent manipulation of enemy radar signals, allowing the creation of false targets and range/velocity deception techniques that are more effective than traditional noise jamming.

Can MEHS handle multiple simultaneous threats?

• The system is designed for multi-threat environments with dynamic resource allocation. Exact simultaneous tracking and engagement capacity is not publicly disclosed.

Is it integrated with the ship’s combat system?

• Yes. MEHS integrates with the Combat Management System to ensure coordinated response with sensors and weapon systems.

How does it compare to Western equivalents?

Comparable systems are produced by:

• Thales Group
• BAE Systems
• Elbit Systems

MEHS differentiates itself through national software control, modular configuration, and integration tailored to Turkish Naval Forces doctrine.

Sources

• ASELSAN official Electronic Warfare product documentation
• Public defense exhibition materials
• Open-source defense publications